Clark 'got it wrong': Robertson

Finance Minister Grant Robertson says Health Minister David Clark "got it wrong" when he drove more than two kilometres to a biking track.

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Robertson is giving an update on the latest in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said this afternoon that Clark should have followed the advice to avoid activities where there is a higher risk of injury.

On this occasion, Clark "got it wrong", Robertson said at this afternoon's daily press conference.

"We don't want the Minister of Health out mountain biking."

He said Clark did not offer his resignation to the Prime Minister - nor should he have.

Asked why Clark wasn't in Wellington, Robertson said Clark was "always available" for interviews.

He said Clark has a "very important" role to play in the Government.

He urged New Zealanders to only use their car when they need to - he asked them to limit car trips.

"All New Zealanders can take onboard his apology."

He called on New Zealanders to "use their common sense" when it comes to venturing outdoors.

Law changing

The Government will change the law to help companies facing insolvency due to Covid-19 to remain running and keep people in jobs.

The temporary changes under the Companies Act include:

• Giving directors of companies facing significant liquidity problems because of COVID-19 a 'safe harbour' from insolvency duties under the Companies Act.

• Enabling businesses affected by COVID-19 to place existing debts into hibernation until they are able to start trading normally again.

• Allowing the use of electronic signatures where necessary due to COVID-19 restrictions.

• Giving the Registrar of Companies the power to temporarily extend deadlines imposed on companies, incorporated societies, charitable trusts and other entities under legislation.

• Giving temporary relief for entities that are unable to comply with requirements in their constitutions or rules because of COVID-19.

Businesses struggling to re-pay debts will be able to put them in "hibernation" for six months. If a company was doing well before Covid-19, they should be okay after, given the Government's support, Robertson said.

It was inevitable that some businesses would go into liquidation - but he couldn't say how many. These new rules will help them buy some time, Robertson said.

The Government has so far announced close to $25 billion worth of support in the fight against Covid-19.

He praised his Government's plan to take action early and injecting money into the economy.

Some $4.78 billion from the wage subsidy scheme has been paid out to 800,00 New Zealanders

He said the Governments job is to prove "cover" during this time for everyday Kiwis and businesses.

Robertson urged Fletchers and Unions to work together, amid tensons around payment of staff.

New cases

It is the ninth day of lockdown.

Today there were 71 new cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand.

The 71 cases are made up of 49 new confirmed cases and 22 new probable cases.

It brings the total to 868 cases in New Zealand since the pandemic began.

One person is in an ICU.

There have been 2000 lab tests a day, a total of almost 30,000 tests conducted so far.

Capacity was now 5400 tests a day, Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said in an earlier press conference.